For questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Erie County, contact ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov

Respiratory Viruses

Common Respiratory Viruses

Influenza A/B, COVID-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and the common cold are viruses that can infect parts of the respiratory system including the nose, throat, and lungs.

Symptoms of Respiratory Viruses

You may have a respiratory virus if you have one or more of these symptoms:

Fever
Chills
Tiredness or fatigue
Coughing or wheezing
Runny or stuffy nose (Congestion)
Body aches or headache

Get tested if you feel sick. You can use over the counter or home test kits, if available, or get tested through your primary healthcare provider. Over the counter test kits may be available at grocery stores or local pharmacies. Treatments are available and work best if you start them within two days of feeling sick. Testing helps ensure you get the right care quickly and provides you with information to help keep your family and your community safer.

Emergent Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care or call 911:

High fever that is not controlled with over-the-counter medications
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Dizziness
Confusion or other mental changes
Retractions, when the skin between your ribs pulls in when you breathe

How Respiratory Viruses Spread

Viruses can spread through the air when coughing, sneezing, and even talking. The viruses can also land on items that you touch and be passed on if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after getting the virus on your hands.

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

There are some simple things you can do to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or as long as it takes to sing the “ABC” song.
Use alcohol-based sanitizers or wipes that contain at least 60% alcohol if you can’t access soap and water.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and doorknobs regularly including kitchen and bathroom countertops.
If you have a respiratory virus stay home, treat symptoms, and distance yourself from others.
Get vaccinated for respiratory viruses.

How to Treat Respiratory Viruses at Home

Most respiratory viruses can be treated at home by managing symptoms.

Get plenty of sleep.
Drink fluids. Even frequent sips throughout the day will help to keep you from getting dehydrated.
Use cool mist humidifiers to moisturize air.
Over the counter pain relievers and fever reducers can help with symptom management. It is important to follow the manufacturers’ directions. It is especially important to make sure you do not exceed the recommended daily dosage of acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you are taking multi-symptom medication (cold & flu, Nyquil) read the ingredients, most have a fever reducer such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).